14 PIGEON TRIBE. 



States, particularly in South Carolina and Georgia, where it is 

 seen in small flocks of from fifteen to twenty. These birds 

 are found usually upon the ground, and prefer the open fields 

 and cultivated tracts to the woods ; their flight is seldom pro- 

 tracted, as they fly out commonly only to short distances, 

 though on the approach of winter they retire to the islands 

 and milder parts of the continent, arriving again at their 

 northern resorts early in April. Like some other species, they 

 have a frequent jetting motion with the tail, and the usual 

 tender cooing and gesticulations of the tribe. They feed on 

 various seeds and berries, particularly on those of the tooth- 

 ache tree, near which they are frequently seen in the season. 

 They likewise feed on rice and other small grain, and become 

 easily tamed and reconciled to the cage ; in this way they are 

 also occasionally fattened for the table, and are particularly 

 esteemed by the French planters. 



The Ground Dove is still a common bird in the South, and 

 wanders occasionally as far north as the District of Columbia. 



BLUE-HEADED QUAIL-DOVE. " 



Starncenas cyanocephala. 



Char. Above, olive brown; crown rich blue, bordered by black; a 

 wide stripe of white from chin to back of neck ; below, russet, the breast 

 tinged with purple; throat black, edged with white. Length ii inches. 



A''c'st. On a tree or low bush ; a platform of loosely arranged twigs. 



Eggs. 1-2; white; 1.40 X 1.05. 



This species was observed by Audubon on the island of 

 Key West early in May, — probably soon after its arrival from 

 Cuba, where it abounds. It is rarely to be seen, from its habit 

 of keeping on the ground and living among dense thickets. 

 These birds also inhabit Jamaica and Cuba, and in the latter 

 island they are commonly caught in traps, and brought to 

 market in great numbers, being esteemed as food. They 

 admit of being tamed, but when tame refuse to propagate. 

 The tail is carried downwards, as in the Partridge. They keep 

 in small bands, are chiefly seen on the ground, on which they 

 often squat, and do not roost on trees. 



